The UK government is preparing to introduce a new law that will ban the resale of concert tickets for more than their original purchase price, according to a report from The Guardian. The announcement is expected tomorrow, October 19.
Rule Applies to Touts, Platforms, and Fans
Under the proposed ban, ticket touts, major resale platforms such as Viagogo and StubHub, and ordinary customers will all be prohibited from selling tickets at a higher price than face value. Platforms will still be able to charge service fees, but these additional costs will be restricted to prevent resale companies from using fees to bypass the price cap.
Artists Pressed Government to Act
The move follows public pressure from several high-profile artists, including Dua Lipa, Coldplay, and Radiohead, who urged Prime Minister Keir Starmer to take action against inflated ticket resale prices.
Early Discussions Considered a 30 Percent Cap
Earlier this year, Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy suggested a possible cap allowing resale up to 30 percent over face value in an effort to limit profiteering by touts who “hoover up tickets” for inflated resale.
An open consultation on the government’s website asked the public what cap they preferred. Responses varied from no increase at all to 20–30 percent above face value. The government has not yet announced the exact limit it will adopt.
Impact Already Felt in the Ticketing Market
News of the expected legislation has already affected resale companies. Shares of StubHub Holdings, which owns Viagogo and StubHub, fell 10 percent today (October 18) following reports of the upcoming ban.
Industry Response
A spokesperson for Viagogo responded to the proposal, telling The Guardian:
“Evidence shows price caps have repeatedly failed fans. In countries like Ireland and Australia, fraud rates are nearly four times higher than in the UK as price caps push consumers towards unregulated sites.”
What Happens Next
The final version of the law, including the specific cap or fee limitations, will be confirmed following the government’s official announcement. If implemented, the regulation would mark one of the most significant changes to the UK’s ticketing market in years.
Vía The Guardian